Dealing with Pregnancy and Drug Addiction

There’s nothing more stressful, or joyful, in a woman’s life than pregnancy. The morning sickness, strange food cravings and an ever-expanding belly are just a few of the many changes that women complain about to their partners. Unfortunately, there’s one other complication that a handful of mothers must cope with as well, illicit drug and alcohol abuse. It’s estimated that out of the 6 million pregnancies each year, 221,000 are complicated by drug abuse, while over 700,000 are affected by the use of alcohol. If you’re considering becoming pregnant or you’re already traveling down that exciting path, learn about the effects of addiction on an unborn fetus, as well as what you can do to stay clean and sober.

The Risks of Illicit Drug and Alcohol Use During Pregnancy

According to WebMD, even something as simple as a daily cup of caffeinated coffee can have a profound effect on a baby’s health. When it comes to illicit drug and alcohol abuse, the effects on the mother are extremely dangerous and may include:

• Blood and Heart Infections
• Anemia
• Hepatitis
• Premature Birth
• Sudden Bleeding

Research shows that the effects of drug and alcohol abuse vary depending on the abuser’s substance of choice:

• Alcohol – According to the March of Dimes, a fetus exposed to alcohol is at higher risk for premature birth, lower birth weight, hearing and vision problems, birth defects (including those of the heart and lungs) and behavioral problems later in life.
• Cocaine – The use of cocaine decreases blood flow to the placenta, resulting in an oxygen deficiency that increases the risk of complications and birth defects. After birth, infants exposed to cocaine in utero are at a higher risk of hyperactivity, tremors and learning disabilities later in life.
• Hallucinogens – The abuse of PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens while pregnant is linked to lower birth weight, miscarriage and premature labor. An infant born to a woman who abused hallucinogens can also suffer from inadequate muscle control and severe brain damage.
• Methamphetamine – The abuse of methamphetamine is on the rise across the United States, and pregnant women are not immune to the dangers of this highly addictive substance. Women who abuse this drug during their pregnancy put their baby at risk for premature birth, miscarriage and lower birth weight. Often times, the baby is also born addicted to the chemical and will suffer withdrawal symptoms including muscle spasms, sleep disorders and tremors.

How Can I Avoid Drugs and Alcohol?

If you’re trying to kick the habit and remain healthy throughout your pregnancy, there are ways to ensure that temptation doesn’t get the best of you. By far, the most effective strategy is to stay away from individuals who are in the grips of their own addiction. If you’re suffering from alcohol dependency issues, avoid bars and social situations that center around alcohol. It might be difficult to skip your parent’s anniversary or steer clear of individuals whom you considered close friends, but skirting temptation is by far one of the best ways to stay on the sober path.

What Partners Can Do

As a husband, boyfriend or significant other, you might be wondering what you can do to help protect both the mother and baby from the detriments of substance abuse. Aside from offering your unwavering support, it’s important to take a look at your own behavior and refrain from using of illicit drugs and alcohol. You could also support your partner by staying home with her on Friday night instead of heading to the bar as usual.

Treatment Options

Depending on the abuser’s substance of choice, there are many options to consider:

• Rehabilitation. Visit DrugRehab.org to learn about the various treatment philosophies, and discover a rehabilitation facility that will best serve your unique needs.
• Medications. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medication is another effective tool that pregnant women should explore. For instance, the use of methadone in combination with proper prenatal care has been shown to improve the overall health of both mother and fetus in comparison to untreated individuals.

If you’re struggling with illicit drug and alcohol abuse during your pregnancy, it’s never too late to seek help. The sooner you admit you have a problem, the greater the chance that you and your baby will have a happy and healthy future.

About the Author: Maureen Davis is a blogger and is currently writing a series of articles on the dangers of drug abuse to pregnant women. She’s currently working on her PhD in Behavioral Science with the goal of educating mothers about the dangers of substance abuse.